AFP modernization program 60% done with new weapons, facilities—Sobejana

The modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is more than halfway finished, according to its chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana.

At the Laging Handa briefing, Sobejana said that the AFP has lined up a new weapon system, modern individual and organizational equipment, and enhanced facilities.

“I should say that we are now on our 60% in as far as our modernization is concerned,” he said.

Last year, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said some of the modernization projects were moved to later years so that the budget could instead be used in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said around P9.4 billion of the fund initially allotted for the modernization program of the military was transferred to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for COVID-19 response.

In 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the second AFP modernization program with around P300 billion budget to be implemented from 2018 to 2022.

According to Sobejana, the AFP will accelerate the modernization.

“We should be at par with our neighbors so we are almost towards 2028, which we envision to become a world class armed forces that is a source of national pride,” he said. -MDM, GMA News